For those who don't know: He is a 12 year old Golden. Rescued 2 years ago. He bit ALL the time, with no warning. He has come a long way and his only flaw is that when he doesn't want to do something, HE WON'T and I can't get him to. My kennel owner, who trained police dogs, said Lenny is "very smart and has a heart of gold".

I am in capable of clicker training, but am still looking for someone to train me.

Now that I have the doggie door, he will sometimes use it to go out but WILL NOT COME IN. He won't even use the regular door if I open it and call him. The problem is that he won't come in AT ALL. He sits on the lawn and looks away from me. I tried the sweet voice, dropping a trail of food (he eats until he gets to the door, then sits again). I tried using a leash, but he won't get up and I don't want to pull on his neck.

I have resorted to putting the muzzle on him and literally lifting his back end and pushing him, step by step as he growls. Once he gets in, he is happy, happy, happy.

I can't leave him outside till hell freezes over because sometimes I NEED him in so I can leave. His double coat also makes him unfreezable while outside.

He seems to be afraid to come in because of the doggie door. He didn't hurt himself on it when he was using it. But he will sit outside and when I go over to him, he keeps giving me his paw. Like he is being submissive, maybe? And he won't give me eye contact.

He willingly uses the door OUT. But he won't come IN using the doggie door or the regular part that I open for him.

I honestly think what you are describing is just him wanting to stay out longer. Offering the paw is kind of "if I bat my eyes, can I get away with it?" or "here, will you take a shake-a-paw, instead?"

I could be way off, too...

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day, tomorrow doesn't look good either.
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"You didn't know of the magical powers of the break stick? It's up there with genies and Harry Potter as far as magic levels go." SisMorphine 01/07/07

Malli wrote:clip a long line to it. Do you feel bad pulling on the harness?

Tried it and he just wouldn't budge. I was getting angry, so I stopped before it became a pissing match.

I honestly think what you are describing is just him wanting to stay out longer.

I thought of that, but he is usually the one that hates going out, and this started after I got the doggie door.

I put a thermometer outside and it is only 30 degrees, so I figured he won't freeze his fur off. He stayed out for 45 minutes, just laying 10 feet from the deck/door. I had to run an errand, so I jangled dog biscuits at the door and after 5 long minutes, he trotted in.

But it seems a match of wills and Lenny is in control. I know this isn't good.

iluvk9 wrote: I put a thermometer outside and it is only 30 degrees, so I figured he won't freeze his fur off. He stayed out for 45 minutes, just laying 10 feet from the deck/door. I had to run an errand, so I jangled dog biscuits at the door and after 5 long minutes, he trotted in.

When do you feed him? Maybe put him outside and then he can come in to eat. Did he use the dog door when he came in?

But it seems a match of wills and Lenny is in control. I know this isn't good.

You are an intelligent, educated lady. I think you can outsmart him.

iluvk9 wrote:

Malli wrote:clip a long line to it. Do you feel bad pulling on the harness?

Tried it and he just wouldn't budge. I was getting angry, so I stopped before it became a pissing match.

I identify with getting angry, so stopping is a good idea Aren't they "treasures"?

Does his harness have a front ring on it? perhaps clip the long line to that and reward for each step forward?

Michelle

Inside me is a thin woman trying to get out. I usually shut the bitch up with a martini.

If the dog wants to eat, he needs to come inside. You can use the food to reward him for every move toward the door with a jackpot when he gets inside. I wouldn't feed him under any other circumstance until he starts coming back inside on his own reliably. You end up giving the dog a choice: come inside and eat, or be stubborn and don't eat. Sends a pretty clear message and in my experience dogs are quick to change their tune.

Is there something about the deck that bothers him? Maybe stepping up, even though it doesn't look too high, hurts him? Or he recently hurt himself on the deck? Splinter or something that he thinks of when he tries to come back in? Something about coming in he's equating with pain or fear?

I agree, good for you for stopping when you start to get angry. Its an issue with me, too.

I like the idea of dinner for coming in as well.

Beyond that, some method or other of forcing him is the only thing I can come up with:neutral:

I love your voice too

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day, tomorrow doesn't look good either.
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"You didn't know of the magical powers of the break stick? It's up there with genies and Harry Potter as far as magic levels go." SisMorphine 01/07/07